India Digest: Lavasa Corp Challenges Ministry’s Pre-Conditions

Here is a roundup of news from Indian newspapers, news wires and Web sites on Wednesday, July 13, 2011. The Wall Street Journal has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Lavasa Corp challenges ministry’s pre-conditions: The Lavasa Corporation Ltd. made it clear that it is unwilling even to accept the pre-conditions imposed by the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) for issuing an environmental clearance for its project in the Western Ghats. (Source: Hindustan Times)

India, China to oppose barriers to affordable drugs: India, China and other members of the BRICS group of countries have agreed to stand together to oppose any moves by developed nations to tighten Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) rules that could threaten access to affordable drugs in developing countries, officials said on Tuesday following two days of talks. (Source: The Hindu)

Surgeries with a robot’s assisstance in Bangalore: Over the past five days, Manipal Hospital has undertaken about 16 successful surgeries with assistance from a robot, the da Vinci surgical system. On Monday, the Manipal Health Enterprise (MHE) launched the Manipal Vattikuti Institute of Robotic Surgery in their flagship hospital in the city. (Source: Daily News and Analysis)

Fire on New Delhi-Patna Rajdhani Express: Passengers of a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express had a close shave on Tuesday when the train was stopped just before entering the city after smoke was seen arising from its rear compartment. (Source: NDTV)

India face stiff test as English odyssey begins: Knowing Dhoni, he will be least perturbed by all the criticism that is going on about his move, but against England, ranked third in Test rankings with only one point separating them from the second-placed South Africa, he knows his side will have to play out of its skin to tame the opponents in their own den. (Source: Deccan Herald)

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